2001 Saturn L300 car keeps stalling/wont start

MISIEE

MEMBER
2001 SATURN L300
109,000 MILES

My car will start then when I drive it for a little while, when I stop at a red light, it will stall. It wont restart after that but if I let it sit like 20-30 minutes it will restart. Do you know what the problem may be? Someone told me the furl pump and someone else told can just be the fuel filter.I don't know I have no idea about cars. Any help you can give would be appreciated.

Tuesday, July 30th, 2013 AT 7:47 AM

5 Replies

JDL

MECHANIC
16,098 POSTS

I'm not sure how to help, unless you do some testing. When the problem is ongoing, if it cranks good but won't start, have a helper crank it, while you visually check for spark at the spark plugs. If you have spark everywhere, use a fuel pressure gage and check fuel pressure. With intermittent issues, you have to test when problem is ongoing.

There may be some trouble codes in computer memory? Some of the national brand autostores will check codes for free.

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Tuesday, July 30th, 2013 AT 10:11 AM

JDL

MECHANIC
16,098 POSTS

Just to add, how long since a tune-up? Usually with idle issues, I clean/check idle air system. Most times when you stop, the throttle is closed.

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Tuesday, July 30th, 2013 AT 10:15 AM

MISIEE

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2 POSTS

Haven't had a tune up since I got the car a year and a half ago. Also I don't have spark plugs I have a long black bx or is that where tihe spark plugs are?

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Tuesday, July 30th, 2013 AT 12:36 PM

JDL

MECHANIC
16,098 POSTS

I wasn't sure of engine litre size. It did cross my mind that if you had 2.2L engine, the spark plugs are underneath the ignition housing. You would have to remove ignition housing to get at the spark plugs.

Letting a national brand autostore check for applicable codes, if there are any, should be an easy way to start.

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Tuesday, July 30th, 2013 AT 1:36 PM

JDL